Jensen Iowa Case Study

Temporary Detour Structure Provides Enhanced Safety for Both Workers and Motorists During Highway Construction in Iowa

Bypass bridge keeps traffic moving on Interstate 34

Interstate 34, an east-west highway that runs from the western outskirts of Chicago to Granby, Colorado, is a major arterial surface road across the southern part of Iowa. When it was determined that an existing bridge structure in Chariton had extensive cracking of the reinforced concrete deck, railing and substructure, and its existing width of 28 feet was inadequate for the heavily traveled section, the Iowa DOT looked to find a solution that would lessen the impact on traffic during construction while providing a safer work zone by separating traffic from construction activity. A critical component of that solution was a temporary detour structure rented from Acrow.

Because work zone accidents and fatalities continue to be an increasing problem, the use of detour or bypass bridging provides enhanced safety for both workers and the motoring public. The Acrow bridge, rented to contractor Jensen Construction, is 200 feet long by 30 feet wide and accommodates two lanes of traffic.

“Using a rental structure allows for a fixed dollar-amount to be allocated to the detour bridge,” said Bill Killeen, President and CEO of Acrow Bridge. “The rental market has gained a strong foothold in the highway construction industry for its obvious safety benefits and because it can help ensure the project stays on or ahead of schedule, important for both contractors and state DOTs.” The bridge was erected in May 2017 and it is expected it will be in place until October 2017.